STUDY OF THE MAORI.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XI, Issue 131, 26 May 1921, Page 4

STUDY OF THE MAORI.

REV. BENNETT’S LECTURE. St. Alatthew’s Hall, Hastings, was well filled last evening, when the Rev. F. A. Bennett delivered a lecture, illustrated bv lantern slides on “The myths and legends of th > Maoris.” The lecturer opened with the singing of the hymn “O God our Help in Ages Past,” and then the Rev. Bennett gave an interesting description of the myths and legends of the Maoris, explaining the birth and origin of demigods and showing that all energising power was the gift of God. He stated that fire was looked upon as the gilt of the goddess. Relating the legend connected with Cape Kidnappers, which was supposed to bo the hook or jawbone of the goddess, with which the North Island of New Zealand was fished up, he said tho reason why there were not many hills on the island was owing to the wrath of the gods. Two Alaori love songs concluded the first part of the entertainment. The chief features of t.'»e pictures shown were the supreme demi-gods of the Maoris, the great fish brought up at the Kidnappers, and Maori fairies. In the second half a; clever exhibition of string games by three Maoris, a stick game called “Titilouea” by three Alaori girls, and a haka by five Alaori men and three- women were given and highly appreciated, an encore being demanded in connection with the lastmentioned item. The whole entertainment was of an interesting and educational nature, and was thoroughly enjoyed by those present. The Rev. F. A. Bennett, who will probably lecture again in Hastings at no distant date, said his lecture was not only given to assist the Pakehag, but that tho opportunity would be taken advantage of to help the Maoris.